The speculation surrounding Mac Jones’ future with the San Francisco 49ers has finally come to an end. After months of trade rumors swirling around the former first-round pick, the 49ers have made it clear: Jones is staying put in the Bay Area for the 2026 season.
According to a recent report from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the 49ers are not entertaining offers for their backup quarterback. “For teams looking to swing a deal for 49ers backup QB Mac Jones, I’m told San Francisco is not looking to part with the 2021 first-rounder,” Russini wrote in her Saturday article. “Things and offers can change, but the 49ers’ preference is to keep their Brock Purdy-Jones tandem intact for 2026. Jones’ 5-3 record as a starter amid the team’s major injury struggles helped keep San Francisco afloat, and Kyle Shanahan loves what he has in the 27-year-old.”
This decision comes as no surprise to those familiar with head coach Kyle Shanahan’s long-standing admiration for Jones. Back in the 2021 NFL Draft, Shanahan was reportedly high on the Alabama product, but the 49ers ultimately selected Trey Lance with the No. 3 overall pick. Jones, meanwhile, landed with the New England Patriots at No. 15, where he enjoyed a promising rookie season before his tenure soured. After a trade to the Jacksonville Jaguars and subsequent availability, Shanahan finally got his guy when the 49ers acquired Jones ahead of the 2025 season.
And boy, did Jones deliver when called upon. With starting quarterback Brock Purdy sidelined by injuries for several games in 2025, Jones stepped in and went 5-3 as a starter. His performance was a lifeline for a 49ers team battered by injuries across the roster, showcasing poise, accuracy, and a quick grasp of Shanahan’s intricate offensive scheme. It was a vindication of sorts for Shanahan, who had seen potential in Jones years earlier.
Purdy, of course, remains the unquestioned starter and the face of the franchise. The “big money guy,” as he’s often referred to after his lucrative extension, has led the 49ers to multiple deep playoff runs. However, Purdy’s injury history— including nagging issues that forced him out in 2025—highlights the value of a reliable backup. In Jones, the 49ers have one of the league’s best insurance policies. At 27, he’s still in his prime, under contract through the end of 2026, and has proven he can win games in a high-powered system.
While trade interest in Jones was understandable—several quarterback-needy teams reportedly inquired—the 49ers’ front office views him as too valuable to move. Keeping the Purdy-Jones duo intact ensures depth at the most critical position in football, especially for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. If Purdy stays healthy, Jones might not see much action, but his presence provides peace of mind and flexibility.
As the 2026 offseason ramps up, this non-move solidifies the 49ers’ quarterback room as one of the NFL’s strongest. Fans can breathe easy: the Mac Jones era in San Francisco isn’t ending anytime soon. It’s over—for the trade rumors, that is. The real story? It’s just beginning for this dynamic tandem.
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